Malawi has hit a rough patch following a drought caused by El Nino. According to the United Nations children’s agency, the African country is dealing with a shortage of food and a suffering economy. Due to the scarcity, prices are on the rise and people can’t afford to feed themselves and their families. UNICEF has started a nationwide screening for malnutrition in children under the age of five. “Although official figures are saying that malnutrition cases are not increasing, we know from past experience that this may not be the whole story,” said UNICEF country representative Mahimbo Mdoe. “Hungry, desperate families may not have the means or resources to take sick children to be assessed. This mass screening will bring the services to them to ensure no child is left out.” Earlier this year, half of the country was deemed a disaster zone when 100 people died, 340,000 were displaced, and crops were destroyed due to heavy rains. Read more.

Proposed Bill Would Take Away Political Power from Student Athletes

A Missouri legislator wants to implement a new law that would take away political power from student athletes. Under the proposed bill, student athletes wouldn’t be allowed to participate in protests that are related to social or political issues. If they do, they’d lose their scholarship. The legislation also calls for coaches who support the involvement of student athletes in protests to be fined. The bill, which is being co-sponsored by State Rep. Kurt Bahr, comes after the University of Missouri football team went on strike because they believed the school’s president didn’t effectively address racial issues on campus. “They want to call us student athletes. But they keep us out of the student part of it. I’m more than just a football player … As soon as we’re done playing at the University of Missouri, the University of Missouri does not care about us anymore. We are not their responsibility … Our sport is just a small part of who we are,” said Ian Simon, a former Mizzou football player who opposes the bill. Read more.

FOX to Air Live Musical Broadcast Hosted by Tyler Perry

After witnessing the success of NBC’s The Wiz Live!, FOX is taking notes. The network recently announced a two-hour live musical called The Passion. The play will chronicle the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth. It will be narrated and hosted by Tyler Perry. “The Passion’ is both wonderfully entertaining and genuinely inspirational,” David Madden, FOX Entertainment President, said in a statement. “We are so thrilled to have the multi-talented Tyler Perry join us for this epic music production. He is the perfect host to lead the cast–and viewers–through the streets of New Orleans in this contemporary re-telling of a timeless story.” Eye2Eye Media, Anders Media Inc., and Dick Clark Productions will produce the project. It’s slated to air on March 20th. Read more.